October 2010 Archives

Last Week's Definition:

A good leader will face tough choices at some point in their career. A good leader will know the right choices to make, it may be tough. According to Kidder, even the people we consider good people face tough choices. Kidder also states, "Tough choices are never easy" (Kidder, p.13).

This week's Definition:

Being able to look beyond your thoughts and Ideas are key. The balcony analogy was great. This allows you to step back and see what is going on, not only with others but with you as well. It enables you to see how effective you as a leader are actually being. Others' reaction to the decisions that you will make are key to what you may decide to do next. When you observe from the balcony you must see yourself as well as the other participants. This is the hardest task of all--to see yourself objectively (Heifietz & Linsky, p.54).

Analysis:

This week, I actually thought a lot about the readings. I have to admit, I did get a little overwhelmed. This was the first time that I felt, it was all too much to think about. I found myself wondering, if I had all of these qualities and am I able to see the things that the author was talking about. I'm not even close to having a conclusion to either of those questions. There are so many scenarios that play out in my head of what I want to be. How do I become that? Will someone give me that opportunity? If I get the opportunity, what will I do with it? I think I will just take this being a "good leader" thing one day at a time. But, my hope is that I step on that balcony and see good things!

Last Week's Definition:

Effective Leadership requires high moral and ethic values. There are moments were personal opinions or beliefs may cloud one's judgement to do what is right. It is important to stay the course ethically if you want your followers to trust your leading. According to Paul and Elder, ethical reasoning requires doing what is right when personal desires and motives are powerful enough to you (Paul and Elder, p.6).

This Week's Definition:

A good leader will face tough choices at some point in their career. A good leader will know the right choices to make, it may be tough. According to Kidder, even the people we consider good people face tough choices. Kidder also states, "Tough choices are never easy" (Kidder, p.13).

Analysis:

I have to be honest, I waited to the last possible minute to do this posting. However, I can identify with the readings. There are times when it is difficult to make the right choices. It is almost as if you are damned if you do and damned if you don't . I typically, during these times go with my gut feeling.

Last Week's Definition:

Based on my recent experiences within the course, I feel that in order to have great leadership you must learn how to positively affect the one's that you are leading. You are more likely to have positive responses from others. According to D.T. Kyle, How a leader blends the positional power with their own charisma, his/her personal power, will determine how favorably or unfavorably followers respond to the power of his position (Kyle, p.161)

This Week's Definition:

Effective Leadership requires high moral and ethic values. There are moments were personal opinions or beliefs may cloud one's judgement to do what is right. It is important to stay the course ethically if you want your followers to trust your leading. According to Paul and Elder, ethical reasoning requires doing what is right when personal desires and motives are powerful enough to you (Paul and Elder, p.6).

Analysis:

I have encountered unethical moments in my career that I had to make the right choices for, in which I did. I have witnessed unethical behavior with previous employers. The one thing that I can say is, when reading "The Functions of Ethics", it made me re-connect with the feeling of wanting to make the right decisions. There were times I wanted to think selfishly. Personal desires can be a very powerful thing. Reputation is one of the only things that you will carry for a lifetime. The ethical component to leadership is imperative. I did enjoy this week's readings. I found them to really remind me of the role that ethics play in leadership.

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). "The Function of Ethics -- and Its Main Impediement." Understanding the Foundations of Ethical Reasoning (pp. 4 - 36). Dillon Beach, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.

Last week's definition:

The exertion of individualism that enables others to follow the example of. Individualism that possesses qualities such as taking action, command, intiative, positivity, persistence, and success. A person with leadership will acquire or learn most if not all of these.

This week's Definition:

Based on my recent experiences within the course, I feel that in order to have great leadership you must learn how to positively affect the one's that you are leading. You are more likely to have positive responses from others. According to D.T. Kyle, How a leader blends the positional power with their own charisma, his/her personal power, will determine how favorably or unfavorably followers respond to the power of his position (Kyle, p.161)

Analysis:

My definition of leadership changed this week because when reading, "the sovereign: power of presence", I learned a lot about leading in a way that garners respect from your peers. This week was a little trying due to lack of leadership and communication in our group. In fact, it seemed as though there were too many leaders! I had to figure out a way to positively take the lead without the others feeling less important. It worked and the outcome is great. We reached our goal with our assignment and I think that will positively effect our grade. I do support and like this week's readings. I learned about the numerous characteristics that a good leader will possess.

Kyle, D. T. (1998). "The sovereign: The power of presence." The Four Powers of Leadership: Presence, intention, wisdom, compassion (pp. 159 - 191). Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications Inc.